Photos tell a story. Sometimes the picture we convey is not intentional but in the sphere of online personal ads and profiles, a photo can make or break a dating campaign. According to a compilation of online dating experts and a poll of professional daters, the analysis of the photo is the most critical aspect of successful online dating.
Personal ad pictorials are very much like Internet marketing. Both require gaining and holding the target audience’s attention. Creating intrigue is a matter of purporting a succinct yet pithy story. We all hate when people add superfluous information that is not pertinent to the storyline.
Do you really think people are going to take the time to make contact with a faceless dating prospect?
Use the following strategies to inspire the results of making a good personal photo ad that speaks for itself:
(1) Post a photo
The failure to post a photo is an on line personal ad faux pas. Think of all the people who took the time to upload their image. Then fast forward to how much time it takes to read and write to someone who catches your eye. Do you really think people are going to take the time to make contact with a faceless dating prospect? Although you think the “ask for my picture” approach will work – it won’t. Besides, not many people are inspired enough to submit anonymous dating queries.
(2) Cut the Scenic Backdrop
When the background landscape of your photo engulfs your image in the foreground, it is a sign that you need to engage the zoom button. People shopping online for a date, are not looking for scenic nature sites. The first image that comes to mind is that the profiler must either have a facial defect or a highly unattractive mug to conceal. It’s almost tantamount with not posting a photo, at all.
(3) No Age shaving
Any photo over fours year old is considered online age shaving. Peter Franco was bamboozled by a woman 20 years his elder. Falsifying one’s age is an immediate terms for dismissal. If you’re posting pictures from five years ago, you are wasting everyone’s time, including your own.
(4) Replace the Family and Friends Portrait
I see it all too often. There’s a photo of a lady or gent and they’re surrounded by their family or friends. Are you patting yourself on the back for having a good looking family? In personal photos taken with friends, who are you promoting? Is it your subtle way of saying ménage? The downside of me and my friends – is that you friends maybe more attractive than you. This could be considered a form of false advertising. Not to mention, if people have to figure out who you are, your storyline is confusing.
(5) No Pets Please
A popular tale people tell is with the photos taken with their pets. For pet-less people, someone posing with their dog makes the would be dating prospect intimidated by the bond that is shared with the pet. The dating contender does not want to compete for your attention. Moreover, who wants to be scheduled in between the part-time responsibility of taking Rover for walks at the park?
Only fellow pet lovers can appreciate the endearing photo of a pet and their master. For example, a killer dating site geared for single pet owners is Date My Pet. The site is cool because it allows fellow members to vote on your pet. An innovative way to post a personal ad on DateMyPet.com would be to post a profile with your pet describing the type of person their owner (you) desires.
